Forensics Chapter 2 - Key Terms Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of 'chain of custody'?

the documented and unbroken transfer of evidence (correct)

a folded paper used to hold trace evidence

the first safety official to arrive at a crime scene

a type of evidence

What is circumstantial evidence?

indirect evidence used to imply a fact but not prove it directly

What is class evidence?

material that connects an individual or thing to a certain group

What is crime-scene investigation?

a multidisciplinary approach in which scientific and legal professionals work together to solve a crime Signup and view all the answers

Define crime scene reconstruction.

a hypothesis of the sequence of events from before the crime was committed through its commission Signup and view all the answers

What is a datum point?

a permanent, fixed point of reference used in mapping a crime scene Signup and view all the answers

What is direct evidence?

evidence that (if authentic) supports an alleged fact of a case Signup and view all the answers

Who is the first responder?

the first safety official to arrive at a crime scene Signup and view all the answers

Define individual evidence.

a type of evidence that identifies a particular person or thing Signup and view all the answers

What is a paper bindle?

a folded paper used to hold trace evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary crime scene?

the location where the crime took place Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes reliable evidence?

evidence that is consistent when retested Signup and view all the answers

Define secondary crime scene.

a location other than the primary crime scene, but that is related to the crime, where evidence is found Signup and view all the answers

What is a subdatum point?

one of several reference points of known coordinates marked from a measurable distance and direction from the datum point Signup and view all the answers

What is trace evidence?

small but measurable amounts of physical or biological material found at a crime scene Signup and view all the answers

What does triangulation refer to?

a technique used to record evidence location from two fixed reference points Signup and view all the answers

Define valid evidence.

evidence that is properly collected and documented and that truthfully supports a claim based off of data from reliable sources Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Terms and Definitions

Chain of custody: Refers to the documented process that ensures evidence remains unbroken and its integrity is preserved throughout its handling.
Circumstantial evidence: Indirect evidence that suggests a fact through implication rather than direct proof, often used to build a case.
Class evidence: Material that can associate an individual to a particular group, providing a broader context for crime investigations.
Crime-scene investigation: An interdisciplinary method where scientific and legal professionals collaborate to analyze and solve crimes.
Crime scene reconstruction: A theoretical sequence of events that outlines what occurred before, during, and after the commission of a crime.
Datum point: A fixed point used as a reference in the mapping process of a crime scene, ensuring accuracy in evidence placement.
Direct evidence: Evidence that, if verified, directly supports a specific fact in a legal case, providing clear proof of an allegation.
First responder: The initial safety official, such as police or EMTs, who arrives at a crime scene and begins to manage the situation.
Individual evidence: Evidence that can be traced back to a specific source, identifying a unique person or object.
Paper bindle: A folded paper container used to securely hold trace evidence collected at a crime scene.
Primary crime scene: The specific location where a criminal act took place, critical for initial investigations.
Reliable evidence: Evidence that produces consistent results upon retesting, reinforcing its credibility in legal contexts.
Secondary crime scene: Any location related to the crime but not the main site where evidence is found, providing additional information for the investigation.
Subdatum point: Reference points established within a measurable distance and direction from the primary datum point to assist in mapping.
Trace evidence: Small quantities of physical or biological materials (like hair or fingerprints) found at a crime scene, often crucial in linking suspects to the scene.
Triangulation: A technique in crime scene mapping that determines the location of evidence using two fixed reference points, enhancing spatial accuracy.
Valid evidence: Evidence that is meticulously collected and documented, providing truthful support for claims based on reliable data.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key terms from Chapter 2 of forensics. This quiz covers essential definitions related to evidence and crime scene investigation. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand these foundational concepts!